Why do I need a switch?

@markprice here is the reality, these products are snake oil, through and through. If actually measure what comes out of your speakers, there would be 0 difference. 
 

that said, you are subject to your biases, and your brain interpret things differently.

@fredrik222

oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,

my ears are my measurements, that's what I go on. I don't buy anything until proven so. You obviously interpret your biases by listening to your measurements 😂 good luck with that!

@curiousjim I you put in fiber you won’t need a switch. 

Only when you add more digital stuff into the signal path can you add the highly desired pixel dust. It makes the zeros rounder and the ones straighter. 

I actually do use a switch, but could care less about the audiophile tweaks. I have 5 devices in my HT that need Ethernet. I have a 50' run from my Wifi router to the outlet at the entertainment center which goes to a cheap 1 gbit switch to feed all 5 devices. 

I keep the switch power supply on the "dirty" side of my power conditioners.

I do use a hospital grade Ethernet isolator immediately before that switch, but its’ a surge thing. If lightning were to come down the 50’ from my router it would take out a lot of gear.